I have a question about bikes.....gettin into it and have quality and comparison questions.....?

Question

I am looking into buying a new bike that i can ride every day as well as long long distances....like travel across a few states with it...not a racer a cyclocross bike.....i have 2 that are in my price range and that i really really like and think are decent.......please only choose one or the other and offer comment on why and how one is better.....if you are experienced and answering honestly and know your stuff i would consider another bike recommendation but i still want to hear what an experienced person has to say about these bikes and what is better about one or the other and comment please on the companys history and reputation.....im inexperienced and just really gettin into this and i want to start off on the right foot and not get taken at some bike shop that wants to sell me the most expensive pile of **** they can.....thanks........here they are...Motobecane fantom cross or a surly crosscheck complete.

Answer 1

It sounds like you are after a touring bike.

There are few brands out there- like Fuji, Trek 520 (my dream bike actualy), Cannondale etc.

Surly seems to have a good reputation - a solidily built commuter/touring type of bike. It's steel, which means it's absorbs much of the impact of the bumps on the road.

The double chain rings however give only a limited range of gearing, particularly on  up hills with a loaded bike.

Maybe try the Long Haul Trucker instead, it seems a bit more touring friendly.

The motobecane - seems like a good road bike.

Having 105 shimano gearing should make for smooth gear changing. the presense of only 2 chain rings, will limit the range of gears available.

It's frame is aluminium , which is a lighter material making it easier to ride faster, but can make it easier to feel the road bumps - although the carbon fork might even those out.

The pedals aren't included, cause it's up to you what kind you want - flat, toe-clips or clipless pedals.

Flat & toe-clip style pedals enable the rider the  wearing of  normal sneakers

Clipless need a special of shoe which clicks into the pedals - though some have two different sides (one clips, the other is flat)

Saddles are an individual thing - and can be easily changed over to suit your tush. Some bike shops allow you to try one out for comfort before buying.

And then there is the question of sort of touring you want to do.

Light-weight touring - not carrying any camping gear or not needing to use a front rear rack and panniers, on normal road conditions  - a lighter weight aluminium/carbon fork bike would be ok for the task. The double/triple gearing issue depending on the terrain and/or your fitness levels.

Self-supported touring - carrying all your gear (camping gear etc) on rear and/or front racks, on varied terrain - In this case, the option of a bike with a sturdy frame (cromoly steel), with tripple gearing (with extra low gearing for getting up hills), might just be a better option.

One thing to remember - a bike meant for touring should have eyelits for attaching a rack at the front & rear of the bike. Maybe even some for adding some fenders if required.

All you can really do though is go to your local bike shop & try these bikes out to see how well they fit you & suit your style of bike-touring. If nothing else, just ask them a few questions, and they should point you in the right direction.

If you are going to be touring on it, it might as well be comfy.

HTH

Answer 2

the surly would be more comfortable than the motobecane. Steel is the answer if you want to ride long distances. It absorbs more of the road vibrations and is more forgiving. I noticed the forks or the dropout doesn't have eyelets to mount racks. If you want to travel with supply, then this is a must. Both these bikes only have two rings, it would be better to have a triple ring crank. The extra gears are helpful for climbing and general cruising. You can always change the saddle when you get it. Normally the one that comes with the bike is not so great. Remember to get some padded shorts, it will help you immensely.

Which one of these bike would I get? Well, neither. I would want a touring bike. It looks like a racing bike that is "relaxed" and wants to go with the flow. These bikes are already set up to handle the extra accessories and weight. These bikes are set up to sit and ride. Racing bikes, you got to get up if you want to "go". Like the previous poster, how about a Trek 520 or even a Fuji Touring? These are great bikes with great histories.